Reptiles and amphibians are ectotherms, or cold-blooded. A proper heating system is thus a very important factor of the natural terrarium set-up. Reptiles are able to regulate their body temperature partly through radiant heat from the sun, provided by the lighting system or the Ceramic Heater in terrarium conditions. In their natural biotope, reptiles also often use surfaces heated by the sun, like branches, rocks or the forest floor as a heat-conductor. The Heat Wave Rock and Heat Wave substrate heaters simulate these natural conditions by heating the rock or substrate of the terrarium, stimulating the natural thermo-regulating behaviour of reptiles.